Everybody knows that a doll is a non-living model of human beings made as a toy for children. Others see it as a figurine and are also displayed on most homes. There are different colors and types of dolls as there are also gazillions of different nationalities. However, not to scare you or anything, even if dolls are made as a children's toy and has a very innocent look, in some cases, dolls are used as a magical and ritual tool.

Effigy

This is often used as a spell-binder doll as it has been momentarily used on countries like African, Native American, as well as European Cultures. This includes the European poppet, the Voodoo dolls, the bocio or nkisi, and Hopi Kachina Dolls. All these are not essential to talk about as it is not like you are going to bewitch someone or anything. Just thought you should know.

African Dolls

These dolls are probably based on the characteristics and cultural personality of Africans as they are supernatural peacekeeping troops. They are just inborn entertainers and they follow their traditions and ritual dances at any cost. The costumes and shapes however are depending upon the region and custom where the doll is made. Just like the Akuaba doll which comes from Ghana and other nearby areas. It signifies the ritual fertility dolls. Ashanti people are famous for the akuaba and their dolls have disc-like heads.

Japanese Traditional Dolls

These dolls have very extravagant clothing which was derived from their rich and artistic cultural costumes. They usually have painted fabric made from straw and wood and have elaborate designs. Most of their dolls represent a certain dynasty like the Daruma dolls and Kokeshi dolls. The Daruma dolls has red bodies, white faces, and eyes that does not have pupils. Kokeshi dolls, on the other hand, does not have arms or legs. It has large heads and bodies which are cylindrical. The Kokeshi dolls are made to represent little children.

American Dolls

These dolls are made from North America and has a head made from dried apples. These dolls are traditionally faceless and are not much of a human being carbon copy.

Matryoshka Dolls

These are Russian dolls which consist of sets of hollow wooden figures. This opens up and nests upon the insides of each other. These dolls are actually adorable and quite astonishing as it has the surprise factor. It makes you feel as if someone is trying to play you with the mysterious number of little dolls found inside of it.

Types of dolls

There is an insurmountable number of different dolls sold in the market right now and finding what you will like best is quite difficult as they all look so adorable. Well, most of them. It may be an antique doll, vintage dolls, modern dolls, which are used as baby dolls, ball-jointed dolls or as fashion dolls.

Materials of dolls

Most dolls are differentiated through the materials they are used with. Therefore those materials they were made from, becomes their doll name such as Paper Dolls, Celluloid Dolls, China Dolls, Composition Dolls, Hard Plastic Dolls, Wax Dolls, Wood Dolls, Vinyl Dolls and more.

Barbie Dolls

Barbie Dolls are the most in-demand in our present generation. That is due to the fact that they have the closest human being look. It is really a miniature of people and it is a fun thing to play with. Kids enjoy it a lot as it comes in different kinds of clothing as well as shoes and other accessories.

They are also not very expensive and can go well with any shelf or desk if you choose to display it. Whatever you choose, just find something that will go well with your type of personality or culture that you have. But if you are a collector, then owning various pieces is not so bad.